Order Flowers

Ordering flowers from our site ensures that your order will reach us or the family in a timely manner, and your gesture of support will remain acknowledged in the Book of Memories for future generations. We only work with local florists so we can maintain the sense of urgency and quality of your selections. We thank you for helping to support the family during their time of need, and will fondly remember your kind gesture.

Obituary

Lana Rae Lenz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to so many, died January 28 in her home on Whidbey Island. She was born in Colorado Springs in 1942, the daughter of Luther and Zelda Keplinger. As a young girl growing up on a ranch in...
Read More

Lana Rae Lenz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to so many, died January 28 in her home on Whidbey Island. She was born in Colorado Springs in 1942, the daughter of Luther and Zelda Keplinger. As a young girl growing up on a ranch in the shadow of the Rockies, she thought of Pike’s Peak as her very own mountain. Lana Rae graduated from Whitworth College (Summa Cum Laude) and with her teaching degree in hand, moved to Seattle and took up her first professional job teaching English and Speech at Shorecrest High School. This was the beginning of a journey as multifaceted as it was full of professional accomplishment. She earned an M.A. in Speech from the University of Washington and a certificate in early childhood education from California’s Pacific Oaks College. She interned at Bellevue’s Little School and was one of the founders of The Seattle Children’s Museum which still flourishes today. And on this journey, she took to the airways with a program on parenting tips on KIRO radio and as a producer in the Public Affairs Department of KING TV, writing and co-producing many important documentaries that won awards and raised public consciousness. She became a therapist in the daycare treatment program for abused and neglected children at the Ryther Institute. Then it was back to the University of Washington to be a part of its Center for Instructional Development and Research. Many professors have credited Lana Rae with their success as teachers at the University. With her singular communications skills, her genuine and deep affection and respect for friends and colleagues, and her ever present smile, Lana Rae was a remarkable and unforgettable woman who will be profoundly missed. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Cliff Lenz, sister Janet Lee Keplinger, son Connor Lenz and partner Breezy Teichow, son Darren and wife S’rae Lenz, granddaughter Kylah Lenz and grandsons Reeve and Garrison Lenz. A memorial service will be held March 9 at 1 PM at the Magnolia Lutheran Church 2414 W. 31st Street in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lana Rae's name to the Seattle Children's Museum.

Email Directions

Directions Sent

Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers

Condolences

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Lana Rae here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. You can upload cherished photographs, or share your favorite stories, and can even comment on those shared by others.

Jennifer & Rowen Bercot

Mary Hilfer

Posted
Feb 27, 2019
at
01:14am

I have such fond memories of going down to Pioneer Square in Seattle with my 6 month old first born for Lana Rae's Mommy and Me classes. We sang and danced and had so much fun with our little ones. My daughter, Megan, will turn 38 this March and I sang those same songs to her and my son as they were growing up and am singing them to my grandson today. What a special woman she was. She made such a difference in so many lives. I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed so much.

Michael Taylor

Posted
Feb 25, 2019
at
04:40pm

Dear Cliff and Family, I recall Lana Ray for her warmth, kindness, and caring. She improved the lives of those she loved with her mix of reality based optimism, sage advice, and generous spirit and hugs. It is hard to imaging West Beach without Lana Ray. With much gratitude for your and Lana Ray's "being there,"
Michael Taylor

Pamela Miles

Posted
Feb 10, 2019
at
02:19pm

I am sorry for your loss. Lana Rae was an amazing woman. I knew her as the parent educator of our preschool cooperative and she saved my sanity many times with her wise and helpful advice about parenting preschoolers. I have not seen her for many years but I am not surprised that she touched so many people's lives in her successful career. I am sure she was a wonderful grandmother. She left the world too soon.

To Cliff and the Lenz family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Lana Rae. I remember her coming into the offices of Seattle Today back in the day, always with a smile. I also remember Cliff telling me of the wonderful times they had when they first were together. Riding a BMW through Europe sounded like one of the coolest things anybody could ever do and I could see the joy in Cliff's face just telling me the story. Unfortunately, our daughter is sick and we can't get out of our driveway because of the snow, so we won't be able to attend her memorial. Maybe there can be another when the weather is a little more favorable? If not, please know both Erren and myself are thinking of you and the boys, Cliff. Again, our sincere condolences.
James McKenna
Erren Gottlieb

Photos & Videos

Photo Album

Subscribe to Updates By Email

Connect with families at their time of loss.

By subscribing to email updates, you will receive two daily updates containing all new stories, photos, condolences, and more. You will also receive a one-time email, one week prior to the anniversary of death. The email will only serve as a reminder should you choose to connect with the family at what will no doubt be a difficult time.